General
jefe
What does jefe mean?
A playful term of respect for a boss or important person; sometimes 'bossman'.
"Whatever you say, jefe, you're in charge."
Origin
Spanish for 'boss' or 'chief,' from French 'chef.' In Mexican slang it doubles as an affectionate word for one's father and a respectful catch-all for addressing men.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'mi jefe' mean in slang?
Literally 'my boss,' but in Mexican slang it affectionately means 'my dad.' 'Mis jefes' means 'my parents.'
Can 'jefe' be used for a stranger?
Yes, it's a friendly, respectful way to address a man, like 'chief' or 'boss' in English.
What does 'jefa' mean?
It's the feminine form, meaning a female boss or, in slang, 'my mom.'
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